Democracy and Autocracy
In my third annual commentary on the V-Dem Project’s democracy report, I break down the data on global trends in democracy and autocracy.
Human System
Palestine, a Nation Among Nations
The ongoing war in Gaza is not just a war between Israelis and Palestinians. It is a defining global struggle in decolonization and national equality. What key events have led to this harrowing moment?
Global Opinions and United Nations Reform
Examples of past (and current) global protests show how people in different nations—and with differing political views—come together to make a statement about human values. Such global activism is powerful; it may even have an impact in reshaping the United Nations.
The Campaign for United Nations Reform
The campaign to reform the United Nations Security Council may indeed come to a head at the Summit of the Future in September. What are the key aspects of this debate? What might happen if the campaign succeeds? Or if it fails?
Who Rules the World Today?
If the United Nations and its members can resolve the current crisis in Gaza—by ending the war and moving toward the recognition of a Palestinian state—U.S. officials will likely learn to pay more attention to the UN, its significance, and its structures.
World History and Its Subfields
Exploring the subfields of history is not only valid but valuable. Understanding these topics generates new ideas and perspectives about world history—and reveals important connections, causation, and interactions.
Great Powers Decline But Persist
The G7 nations or Western powers remain wealthy, but other nations are becoming their equals. Here are four chapters on significant trends and events that continue to shape the future of the G7 nations—and the world order.
BRICS and the Changing Global Order
Founded in 2009, BRICS is a recent development of international politics and economics. What are this group’s primary aims? How has it shifted the global order? And in what ways does BRICS coexist, interact, or conflict with other global forums, such as the G7 and G20?
How Are Ideas About Evolution Evolving? Part Three
This essay, the conclusion of a three-part series, explores the seventh phase of human evolution: the expanding scale of social organization.
How Are Ideas About Evolution Evolving? Part Two
This post—the second in a three-part series—builds on the main categories and dynamics of human evolutionary change established in part one. I outline six phases of human evolution, exploring different models and hypotheses of growth and change.